The pond I've been fishing (12 acre) for the past 6 years has been undergoing changes in the aquatic vegetation. I'm terrible at best in trying to identify plants. There used to be fairly large pockets of a plant that somewhat resembles lilypads but the leaves are narrower and pointed. Now I'm seeing what looks to be hydrilla or milfoil. Next time out I'll snap some photos. How would this shift in vegetation affect bass behavior?

I found an older photo of what the vegetation was like 5-6 years ago. It's not the best photo but if you look in the foreground you'll be able to see the vegetation.

Hard to tell from the picture if you just have dollar pads or something else (maybe American pondweed). Sounds like maybe a transition from semi-emergent to submerged vegetation possibly. Any change of water clarity with the veggie change? Probably won’t affect things too much as the fish would just transition from one to another. Might change bait selection a little, but need to see better pics so we know exactly what you’re dealing with.

^^^this, the larger points leaf plant is American Pond Weed.

Tom

Thanks guys. What I've also noticed is that the pond floor is covered with a dense growth so much so that a t-rigged worm just disappears when it contacts the bottom. An airtail does a little better than a standard worm but it's visibility is still compromised. The majority of the pond is covered with this vegetation. Interestingly the water clarity is pretty good. For example, when tossing a white fluke, I can see it app. 40' from my yak when it's about 12" beneath the surface. I'll get better pics when I get on the water next week.

Another variable is the occasional appearance of a beaver. He's been around for the past 2 years. I don't know if this plays any role in the changes I've seen but thought it is worth mentioning.

 

 

It sounds a lot like a pond that gets a lot of run off from an incoming creek or ditch.  That would bring in a lot of muddy water and the dirt and silt would eventually find its way to the bottom creating a soft bottom. The other thing is invasive weeds which can take over and choke out other forms of vegetation.

What is its affect on bass?  Because it is a heavier growth, it will be of benefit to the bass when they need to feel secure. They will bury themselves in the weeds on bright, sunny days and under post front conditions. Those weeds will also draw forage fish for the same reasons, so the weeds end up providing security and food.

From the pic it first appears to be some type of milfoil to me. There are both native and invasive types. You can probably do a search online and simply compare a small fragment to the ID pics showing the differences between each.

definetly looks like milfoil. great bass habitat. lots of tips on line on how to fish it.

13 minutes ago, padon said:

definetly looks like milfoil. great bass habitat. lots of tips on line on how to fish it.

Look up vids on Seth Feider fishing Lake Minnetonka or anywhere in Minnesota...he's well versed in pulling bass out of that stuff.

I know a lot of guys don't like milfoil and coontail, but I love fishing in it.  On hot days the bass will move into it for shade and oxygen.